Bayern Munich have actively tried to sign top talents from England in the last few seasons. They struck gold in the form of Jamal Musiala when they signed him from Chelsea a few years ago. Bayern also made multiple bids for Chelsea winger Callum Hudson-Odoi, who is currently thriving at Nottingham Forest.
Die Roten want to capitalize on situations where a highly rated young players is not able to break into the first team at an English club. They also monitor the development of players who enjoy breakthrough campaigns at a young age. Sunderland’s Chris Rigg is one player that falls in the second category.
According to Manchester Evening News, Bayern hold an interest in Sunderland’s attacking midfielder Chris Rigg. Manchester United are also interested in the 17-year-old midfielder. Sunderland managed to fend off interest from Bayern in the summer by extending his contract. His current deal with Sunderland expires in 2027.
Rigg is a tenacious attacking midfielder, who works tirelessly off the ball without compromising creativity with the ball. He has enjoyed a good start to the season, accumulating game time of 413 minutes in the Championship. Rigg has also scored one goal in six appearances for Sunderland. (Stats courtesy: Whoscored)
It remains to be seen if Bayern and Manchester United will follow up their interest with bids next summer. Sunderland are in a strong position to command a significant fee for the youngster at the end of the season.
Bayern planning significant scouting changes
After overseeing their first summer transfer window, Max Eberl and Christoph Freund are planning significant changes in the scouting department. Die Roten have already parted ways with chief scout Markus Pilawa. Hasan Salihamidzic and Marcos Neppe had poached Pilawa from Borussia Dortmund.
Pilawa worked with the current hierarchy during the summer transfer window. As per TZ, Pilawa played a role in the signing of Michael Olise. Eberl and Freund have other ideas, which has led to the departure of Pilawa. They already have a replacement lined up for the chief scout position.
According to Sky Sports in Germany and TZ, Nils Schmadtke will replace Pilawa as the new chief scout at Bayern. Schmadtke's most recent experience includes working as sporting director at Borussia Monchengladbach. Eberl has worked with Schmadtke during his time at Gladbach.
TZ is also reporting that Bayern are also looking to bring more support for Schmadtke. They could bring in André Hechelmann, former Schalke technical and sporting director, as well as Mainz chief scout. Hechelmann is one of the several options Die Roten are considering for the role that will support Schmadtke.